A
85

Excellent Water Quality

Rutherford College, NC 28671

Burke County · Population served: 2,083 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

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RUTHERFORD COLLEGE TOWN OF
Surface water · Pop. 2,083
PWSID: NC0112055

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

4Total (5yr)
4Health-Based
0Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Rutherford College

Tap water quality in Rutherford College, North Carolina (28671) receives an overall grade of A (Excellent) with a score of 85 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 13 points above the North Carolina state average of 72. The area is served by Rutherford College Town Of, a surface water system providing water to approximately 2,083 people. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 4 violations, including 4 health-based violations.

Your Score 85/100 A
vs State 13 pts above North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 10 pts above national avg (75)

What a Grade A Means

A score of 85/100 means the water supply in Rutherford College, NC meets or exceeds all EPA standards with minimal issues. Contaminant levels are well within safe limits, and the water system has maintained a strong compliance record. While no water supply is guaranteed perfect at the tap due to household plumbing, this is among the best-scoring areas in the country.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on EPA data, tap water in Rutherford College, North Carolina receives a grade of A (Excellent) with a score of 85/100. This indicates the water meets federal standards and has relatively few concerns. However, individual homes may still have localized issues such as lead from old plumbing.

ZIP code 28671 is served by 1 water system using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 2,083 people. Surface water systems are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and weather events, but typically undergo more extensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.

No lead data is currently available for ZIP code 28671. This may mean lead testing results haven't been reported recently, or the serving water system uses monitoring waivers. You can request a free lead test kit from most water utilities or purchase a certified home testing kit.

No PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in water systems serving Rutherford College, North Carolina during the most recent EPA monitoring period (UCMR5). However, not all water systems have been tested for all PFAS compounds, and new contamination can occur over time.

Water systems serving Rutherford College, North Carolina have received 4 violations in the last 5 years, including 4 health-based violations. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.

Water in Rutherford College, North Carolina shows no major contaminant concerns based on available data. A basic carbon filter can improve taste and reduce chlorine. For extra peace of mind, an NSF-certified pitcher filter or faucet-mount filter provides an affordable layer of protection.

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